Vernon Philander on Bumrah, Archer and the life of a quick - Stumped podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts:

• Fast bowler workload management (stress load)
• Injury prevention and recovery for elite fast bowlers
• Balancing player fitness with team performance
• Importance of bowling overs vs. gym work
• Understanding one's body and limitations
• The role of medical and coaching staff in player management

Jasprit Bumrah's Rest and India's Strategy

• Surprise at Bumrah's Rest: Charu Sharma expresses surprise at Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the second Test, given India's 0-1 deficit and the long gap between Tests.
• Possible Physical Issues: Sharma speculates that Bumrah might have "niggling physical problems" or wasn't at 100% due to his performance in the first Test's second innings.
• India's Options: India has options like Akash Deep, but Bumrah is considered the "best in the world."
• Lord's Test Speculation: The idea that Bumrah wanted to play at Lord's is dismissed as potentially prioritizing records over strategic needs.
• Pitch Assessment: There's a suggestion that the Edgbaston pitch might be more spin-friendly, making Bumrah less effective.
• National Asset Protection: Bumrah is seen as a "national asset," leading to protective management.

Jofra Archer's Return and Durability Concerns

• Excitement for Archer's Return: Jim Maxwell highlights the excitement surrounding Jofra Archer's potential return to Test cricket.
• Durability Concerns: Maxwell expresses concern about Archer's "durability" given his injury history (elbow, back, broken thumb).
• Hope for Ashes Participation: There's hope that Archer can play in the Ashes series later in the year.

Vernon Philander's Insights on Fast Bowling

• Injuries as Part of the Job: Philander emphasizes that injuries are "part and parcel" of being a fast bowler.
• Stress Load vs. Workload: Philander prefers the term "stress load" to describe the physical demands on fast bowlers (ankles, knees).
• Technology and Support: Modern teams have biokineticists and physios to help manage players.
• Archer's Return Concerns: Philander is "twofold" about Archer's return, excited about his potential but concerned about his lack of recent red-ball cricket.
• Bowling Overs vs. Gym Work: Philander emphasizes the importance of bowling overs in the nets to build "reference points" for Test match cricket.
• Advice for Returning Players: Philander advises players returning from injury to "feel your body," operate at a sustainable medium, and eliminate injury concerns from their mind.
• Managing Workload: Philander discusses how Dale Steyn's workload was managed, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's body and skillset.
• Lamborghinis and Ferraris: Philander refers to quick bowlers as "Lamborghinis and Ferraris," suggesting they might have short stints.
• Tussle Between Winning and Injury Risk: There's a conflict between the desire to win and the risk of overexerting players like Bumrah and Archer.
• Unique Actions: Bumrah and Archer have unique bowling actions, making them more prone to injury compared to bowlers with traditional actions like Jimmy Anderson.
• Body's Communication: Philander notes that the body will provide indications of fatigue or stiffness.

Australia's Fast Bowling Success

• Remarkable Feat: Australia's ability to keep Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins fit simultaneously is considered remarkable.
• Combination of Research and Play: Their success is attributed to a combination of research and the fact that these bowlers play regular state cricket.
• Bowling Overs: The key is that these bowlers "actually bowl overs," not just focus on gym work.
• Self-Awareness: Philander emphasizes the importance of bowlers understanding their own bodies and limitations.

Conclusion:

The discussion revolves around the challenges of managing elite fast bowlers' workloads and preventing injuries. The speakers highlight the importance of balancing player fitness with team performance, understanding individual bowlers' bodies and limitations, and utilizing modern sports science and medical support. The cases of Bumrah and Archer serve as examples of the complexities involved in making decisions about player availability and workload management. The Australian team's success in keeping their key fast bowlers fit is attributed to a combination of research, regular match play, and a focus on bowling overs rather than solely relying on gym work.